Guest of Honour 2009

Sir David Attenborough

Sir David Attenborough, together with Dr. Jane Goodall, is an influential role model for conservationists around the world. This great conservation hero was our Guest of Honour in 2009.

Working as a presenter and programme maker for the BBC he has made a long line of spectacular nature series. In 1979, he wrote and presented Life on Earth, The Living Planet and The Trials of Life.

Filming the beautiful birds of paradise fulfilled a lifelong ambition. Entering his seventies, he narrated the award-winning Wildlife Specials. Not slowing down, he completed the epic 10-part series for the BBC, The Life of Birds, along with writing and presenting the series State of the Planet as well as The Life of Mammals.

Attenborough has received honorary degrees from many universities across the world, and is patron or supporter of several charitable organisations, including acting as patron of the World Land Trust, which buys rainforests and other lands to preserve them and the animals that live there.

“You all know, that in the end, it is that one individual. That one individual that has passion, that one individual that has fire in the belly, that one individual that is determined that something should be done. […] They were the people, that given the strength, and given the wherewithal, and given the financial backing, will get things done. The Future For Nature winners are such passionate individuals.”
David Attenborough